Roll Against Coal! Bike Ride To Salem

Got this in the email, looks like an amazing event.

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Join us for a bike ride from Boston to a rally in Salem, to help shut down the coal plant that is Massachusetts’ 3rd largest source of carbon pollution, and put Massachusetts on a path towards 100% renewable energy!

Full info at http://bikesnotbombs.org/rollagainstcoal

RSVP at: http://members.greenpeace.org/event/view/3972/

WHY?
The Salem Harbor Coal Plant has negative impacts on people and environment. Salem Harbor is Massachusetts’ third largest contributor of carbon emissions, and damages local ecosystems through waste discharge into the air and the Atlantic. There are 100,000 people who live within 3 miles of this plant, and these people are directly impacted by the plant. In 2001 The Harvard School of Public Health preformed a study that estimated that Salem Harbor and its sister plant, Brayton Point, cause 159 premature deaths, 43,000 asthma attacks and upper respiratory irritation in 300,000 people across New England. Governor Patrick has expressed interest in shutting down the Salem Harbor Coal Plant, but the people of Massachusetts need to make this issue a priority for the governor.

The Roll Against Coal will show Boston’s solidarity with community groups in Salem (SAFE – Salem Alliance for the Environment and Healthlink) that have been laboring for more than a decade to shut down this obsolete and dirty plant. Building ties between organizations in Salem and Boston will be tremendously helpful in the fight to shut down Salem Harbor. An immediate result from the ride will be increased media attention to this issue.

WHO?
–> Greenpeace Boston is the lead organizer, and is currently campaigning against coal and for green jobs/energy. Shutting down Salem Harbor is a powerful first step to making a clean energy future a reality for MA.
–> Students for a Just and Stable Future is a student led volunteer network. One of SJSF’s primary goals is to take on dirty energy, and in MA, students are campaigning for 100% clean electricity in 10 years.
–> Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) uses bicycles in local youth programs and international development work, as a tool for environmental sustainability and social justice. BNB is co-sponsoring the Roll Against Coal.
–> Salem Alliance for the Environment and Healthlink are Salem environmental organizations that have been campaigning to shut down this plant, and will be organizing the rally to be joined by the Roll Against Coal.
–> You! You can join the ride or rally to help Massachusetts take the next step towards clean energy!

THE RIDE
On November 13th at 9:30 am, activists will meet at Seven Hills Park (behind Davis Square Station in Somerville). A light breakfast will be provided, cyclists will be briefed by campaigners and bike rally leaders, and at 10:00 am will begin riding towards Salem. Along the way, cyclists will stop at designated rest stops to maintain group formation, and meet with press. At 1:00 the cyclists will meet with local Salem activists for a rally in Salem Square. After the rally cyclists will return to Boston via the ferry and commuter rail (bikes are allowed on both).

Each cyclist is responsible for his/her bike, and is required to wear a helmet. Each cyclist should also bring snacks and water. Greenpeace will provide “Quit Coal” campaign t-shirts, flags to attach to bikes, and light snacks/water. Greenpeace has also designed a banner reading “Roll Against Coal” that will be displayed at the Salem Rally. Greenpeace will ensure that there is a mechanic, bike rally leader, and safety car to provide support to the cyclists.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
If you have experience riding in a group, either in Bikes Not Bombs teaching programs or otherwise, let us know. We’re looking to sign up experienced riders to lead and marshal the group.

CONTACT
Arik Grier – [email protected] – 617-522-0222 x100

David Lands – [email protected]

Elsa Sebastian – [email protected] – 907-738-8879

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